Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or invest, a real estate agent is imperative to your success. Not only can they walk you through each step of the process, but they can also provide you with years of knowledge and expertise along the way.
I could go on and on about the benefits of working with a real estate agent, no matter your needs or goals, but what’s truly important is that you find the right agent.
In this article, I’m going to cover some of the best questions to ask a potential agent, so that you’re armed with everything you need to make an informed decision.
1. Are You a Part Time or Full Time Agent?
With any profession, there is a chance that an agent works on a part-time or full-time basis. While this factor doesn’t always have a negative impact on your experience, it is something you may want to take into consideration.
Full-time agents will place 100% of their time, energy and focus onto their clients, keeping an eye on the market for potential listings and working hard to market your home. On the other hand, part-time agents may have fewer clients, meaning more time and energy to dedicate to you.
Both can have their pros and cons, which is why it’s so important to establish this information from the very beginning.
2. Can You Provide References From Past Clients?
This is a really great question to ask a potential real estate agent, for two main reasons.
The first reason is that it can establish credibility for your real estate agent. Not only will they be able to prove their experience through having multiple references from past clients, but it also goes to show that they are proud of their work and have absolutely nothing to hide.
The second reason is that it provides you with an opportunity to speak with past clients to learn more about what it was like to work with the real estate agent in question.
Were they prompt? Did they communicate well? Was the experience positive or negative overall? Would they work with this agent again?
These are all valid questions that can help you when making your final decision.
3. Which Areas Do You Specialize in?
Location is exceptionally important when finding the best real estate agent for you.
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or invest, having experience in your desired location is absolutely key. If your real estate agent has ample experience working within a certain location, they will be able to advise you on everything from desired neighbourhoods and communities, to listing prices, strategic planning, and so much more.
4. How Do You Plan to Market My Property?
The right real estate agent will have a plan to market your property well before you agree to work together. This is based on their industry experience, knowledge of the area and even their general approach to listing a property.
If an agent cannot provide you with even a simple idea or plan for marketing your property, chances are they haven’t given it much thought or that they simply don’t practice strategic planning when listing and marketing a property.
With years of experience and many satisfied homeowners, I take both confidence and pride in my strategic approach to marketing a property. Before we sign the dotted line, I already have a plan in place of how to get started and what I’m going to do that will set a property apart from other options on the market.
From photography, videography and staging, to social media marketing and more, I have your every need covered.
5. How Will You Communicate With Me?
In real estate, communication is key.
In fact, I would argue that it is a non negotiable. Real estate moves fast, which means that real estate agents need to move faster. Your real estate agent should be equipped with a plan and multiple means of communication, to help ensure that you are informed every step of the way.
Not only that, but they need to be able to answer your questions promptly and get in touch with you swiftly with new information.
Your real estate agent should plan to communicate you via all forms, from phone calls and text messages, to emails, in-person meetings and even social media!
6. What Sets You Apart From Other Agents?
This question can give you a little more insight about the personality of your real estate agent.
Are they confident?
Are they humble?
Are they strategic?
Are they personable?
Do they care about your individual needs and goals?
Listen very carefully to how they answer this question, as it can really tell you more about how they view themselves, how they perceive their competition and what is really important to them.
7. Do You Specialize in Certain Properties?
While many real estate agents will work with all sorts of properties, some agents may place focus on one specific area.
This may come as an advantage or disadvantage to you, for the following reasons:
They may not specialize in the kind of property that you are looking to buy or sell
They may have unique experience that can benefit your goals
If an agent doesn’t specialize in certain properties, this can come as an advantage if you are looking to sell one type of property and purchase another. For example, if you are looking to sell your family home and downsize to a condo.
While this question doesn’t have to make or break your decision to move forward with them, it can certainly be helpful!
Contact Sonia Oliveira Today
Do you have questions about the real estate industry? Take a look at some of the other articles in our blog for more information! We cover everything from spring cleaning and home ownership, to curb appeal, packing and moving checklists, and more!
For help getting started, get in touch with me today! I’m more than happy to help you buy, sell or invest - with many years of experience navigating the Kitchener-Waterloo real estate market and surrounding areas.
